This delightful yellow rice recipe is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any meal. The beautiful golden hue comes from the turmeric, which not only adds color but also a subtle earthy flavor. It's a simple yet delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
One ingredient you might not always have on hand is turmeric. This spice is essential for giving the rice its distinctive yellow color and unique taste. If you don't already have it in your pantry, you can easily find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients For Yellow Rice Recipe
Long-grain rice: This type of rice is ideal for achieving a fluffy texture.
Water: Used to cook the rice and absorb the flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic.
Turmeric: Provides the yellow color and a subtle earthy flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory note to the rice.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your yellow rice, consider toasting the long-grain rice in the olive oil for a few minutes before adding the turmeric and water. This will give the rice a slightly nutty taste and a more complex flavor profile. Additionally, using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced can make a noticeable difference in the overall aroma and taste of the dish.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
long-grain rice - Substitute with basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and cooking time, making it a suitable alternative.
long-grain rice - Substitute with jasmine rice: Jasmine rice also has a fragrant aroma and a slightly sticky texture, which can work well in this recipe.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth and flavor to the rice compared to plain water.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version, adding extra flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron provides a similar yellow color and a unique flavor, though it is more expensive.
turmeric - Substitute with annatto powder: Annatto powder can also give a yellow hue and a slightly peppery flavor.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.
garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available, though it is less pungent.
garlic, minced - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder garlic flavor and can add a bit of sweetness.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the yellow rice to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
- Transfer the cooled rice into an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the rice within 3-5 days. This keeps the rice safe to eat and maintains its texture.
- For longer storage, place the rice in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the rice has been stored.
- When ready to use, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This ensures even thawing and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Reheat the rice in a microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Cover the rice while reheating to retain moisture.
- Stir the rice occasionally while reheating to ensure even heating. This prevents any cold spots and maintains the rice's fluffy texture.
- If reheating on the stovetop, use a non-stick pan and a low heat setting. This prevents the rice from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Enjoy the reheated yellow rice as a side dish or incorporate it into other recipes like fried rice or rice salads.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Place the leftover yellow rice in a saucepan.
- Add a splash of water or broth to moisten the rice.
- Cover the pan with a lid and heat over low to medium heat.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once the rice is heated through, fluff with a fork and serve.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the yellow rice to a microwave-safe dish.
- Sprinkle a few drops of water or broth over the rice.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Spread the yellow rice evenly in an oven-safe dish.
- Add a few tablespoons of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Steaming Method:
- Place the yellow rice in a heatproof bowl that fits inside a steamer basket.
- Add a small amount of water to the rice.
- Set up your steamer and bring the water to a boil.
- Place the bowl of rice in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until the rice is heated through.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for cooking the rice and ensuring even heat distribution.
Measuring cups: You'll need measuring cups to accurately measure the rice and water.
Tablespoon: A tablespoon is used to measure the olive oil.
Teaspoon: A teaspoon is necessary for measuring the turmeric and salt.
Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the rice and turmeric to coat the grains evenly.
Lid: A tight-fitting lid is crucial for covering the saucepan to allow the rice to simmer and absorb the water properly.
Fork: A fork is used to fluff the rice before serving, ensuring it remains light and fluffy.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Mince the garlic and measure out the rice, turmeric, and salt before you start cooking.
Use a rice cooker: If you have a rice cooker, use it to cook the yellow rice while you focus on other tasks.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of yellow rice and store leftovers in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
Preheat the water: Use hot water from a kettle to reduce the time it takes to bring the water to a boil.

Yellow Rice Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the rice and turmeric, stirring to coat the rice with the oil.
- Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Tomato and Garlic Pasta Recipe30 Minutes
- Cowboy Caviar Recipe15 Minutes
- Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe25 Minutes
- Egg and Sausage Casserole Recipe1 Hours
- Stir-Fried Cabbage Recipe25 Minutes
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread Recipe1 Hours
- Porcupine Meatballs Recipe1 Hours
- Blueberry Pie Recipe1 Hours 20 Minutes
Leave a Reply